Case study
WordPress malware cleanup followed by security hardening
A compromised WordPress site can affect trust, search visibility and revenue. Cleanup is only part of the work; the site also needs the entry point reviewed and obvious hardening gaps addressed.
Context
A business noticed suspicious redirects and unexpected behaviour on a WordPress site. The concern was not only removing visible symptoms, but understanding how the compromise happened.
The site used standard WordPress plugins, PHP-FPM and a Linux-based hosting environment, so both application and server-level checks were relevant.
The problem
- Suspicious redirects and modified files suggested the site may have been compromised.
- WordPress users, plugin versions, themes, file permissions and server configuration required review.
- Removing symptoms without addressing the likely entry point could lead to repeat compromise.
- The customer needed clear steps for credentials, updates, backups and ongoing prevention.
Our approach
- Reviewed WordPress users, plugins, themes, modified files and obvious indicators of compromise.
- Checked server-level permissions, PHP execution risk, writable paths and backup availability.
- Recommended password resets, account cleanup, plugin/theme updates and tighter access controls.
- Documented follow-up hardening, monitoring and backup steps after the immediate cleanup.
Practical outcomes
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